Lines of Fate (2)

A protective covering in the form of a transparent lotus with deep blue runes drawn over its delicate body appeared before Izril. But, Ryu's blade struck down without mercy, sheering it apart in the blink of an eye. 

Izril's body flew out like a broken kite, a deep slash crossing his torso in a diagonal line. 

The battle seemed to grow hushed. 

Ryu's pupils pulsed, a fiery pain lighting his eyes. But, he continued to stare forward, his demeanor uncaring while his blood seemed to sing a completely different tune. 

How invigorating. How exhilarating. He wanted to roar into the skies, giving vent to his emotions. 

His first life, Ryu could only battle with his intellect and his words. But he was a man. He didn't always want to rely on a duel of wits to assert his dominance. Sometimes, he just wanted to meet his blade with another's, tearing down their will as they attempted to do the same to him.